Rafael Nadal completed the career Grand Slam by beating Novak Djokovic in the 2010 US Open final.
World No.1 enters history books with Flushing Meadows triumph
Rafael Nadal completed the career Grand Slam by beating Novak Djokovic in the 2010 US Open final.
Nadal won a thrilling contest 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 at Flushing Meadows to become only the seventh man in history to win all four major titles.
The world number one overcame the distraction of a near two-hour rain delay and losing his first set of the tournament, to seal victory after three hours and 43 minutes.
Djokovic, who had beaten Roger Federer in an exhausting five-set semi-final on Saturday, expelled any doubts about his fighting qualities with a courageous performance, fending off an astonishing 20 break points during the course of the match.
But the pressure eventually told as Nadal ran away with the last two sets - clinching victory when Djokovic hit a forehand wide - before collapsing on Arthur Ashe Stadium as the enormity of his achievement sank in.
Nadal, who at 24 is the youngest player in the Open Era to complete the grand slam collection, had already won the Australian Open, as well as five French Open titles and two Wimbledon crowns.
And by adding the title in New York, the Spaniard joined Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer as the only men to win the four biggest prizes in tennis.
Dream
He said: "(Winning the US Open) is more than I dreamt, just to arrive to the final was amazing and to have the trophy in my hands in a few seconds with my heart beating is going to be unbelievable."
Of his opponent, Nadal added: "First thing, I would like to congratulate Novak and all his team for a great tournament, you're a great player and you're going to win this trophy very soon, I'm sure of that.
"I want to congratulate you for a great attitude after losing a grand slam final, that's a great example for the kids."
In turn Djokovic said: "It's a great honour to be here.
"I would like first to congratulate Rafa and his team for an amazing tournament.
"Right now he is the best player in the world and he absolutely deserves this title, well done."
Rain had pushed the men's final from Sunday to Monday for the third consecutive year and the world number one had looked set for an easy night when he broke Djokovic in the first game of the match, after which the Serb looked to be having problems with an injury to his left leg.
But Djokovic withstood Nadal's early assault and fought back to break and level the match at 2-2.
Nadal converted his sixth break point opportunity to secure his second break and with his serve beginning to fire he refused to give his opponent another look-in as he served out comfortably for the lead.
Unfamiliar frailties
No sooner had Nadal got the first set in the bag then some unfamiliar frailties began to set in, and it was no surprise when Djokovic seized on a pair of errors to break for a 3-1 lead before holding.
But, serving at 4-2 it was Djokovic who faltered, a netted volley giving Nadal his first of three break-back points, the Spaniard taking his third chance with a big backhand winner down the line.
Recovering some of his first set form, Nadal won three games in succession to level at 4-4 as heavy clouds began to gather overhead.
When the rain did come at 30-30 on the Djokovic serve it will have come as a relief to the Serb.
After a delay of an hour and 50 minutes the players reappeared and started where they had left off with some stunning tennis and it was Djokovic who took the set after breaking Nadal at 6-5.
Both players were attacking the ball with fearsome force and Nadal was clearly on a roll, holding to love for 3-1.
The errors started mounting for Djokovic and Nadal's formidable forehand, rock solid sliced backhand and ability to cover every inch of the court guided him to the set.
The match was already three hours old but there was no let-up at the start of the fourth set.
The Spaniard had three break points for 4-1 and when Djokovic netted it appeared to be all but over.
Nadal went 5-1 up and while Djokovic held, it was merely delaying the inevitable and when the Serb fired wide it wrapped up a stunning victory for the Spaniard who fell to the floor.
